Akshay Kumar’s absence from the polling booths of Lok Sabha Elections 2019 invited severe criticism. Next, his statement on having a Canadian citizenship only added to his woes. Now, on Saturday, writer Apurva Asrani questioned his National Award win for Rustom. Asrani’s Manoj Bajpayee starrer Aligarh couldn’t fetch a trophy the same year.
He wrote on social media, "Yes, This is a very important question. Are Canadian citizens eligible for India's National Awards? The year (2016) Akshay Kumar won Best Actor, we were expecting Manoj Bajpayee to win for Aligarh. If the jury/ministry has made an error in Kumar's case, will there be a re-vote??"
However, as per the rulebook of the Directorate of Film Festivals, the organisation that presents the National Film Awards, under the section of eligibility of a candidate it reads: "Film professionals and technicians of foreign origin can also be considered for awards."
Raees director Rahul Dholakia who has been part of the jury of the National Film Awards defended the actor on Twitter by attaching a screenshot and writing, “Clarification on National Award- foreign nationals can get National Awards . it’s legal, legit and by the booksI have been on the jury ( not for this one) and so found out from an official Manoj Srivastava who sent me this. 🙏🏽 #NationalAward”
Earlier this week, the Khiladi star earned flak for his interview with PM Modi and also questions were raised on his Canadian citizenship. Eventually, the actor released a statement and wrote, “I really don't understand the unwarranted interest and negativity about my citizenship. I have never hidden or denied that i hold a Canadian passport. It is also equally true that I have not visited Canada in the last seven years. I work in India, and pay all my taxes in India.
While all these years, I have never needed to prove my love for India to anyone, I find it disappointing that my citizenship issue is constantly dragged into needless controversy, a matter that is personal, legal, non-political, and of no consequence to others.
He wrote on social media, "Yes, This is a very important question. Are Canadian citizens eligible for India's National Awards? The year (2016) Akshay Kumar won Best Actor, we were expecting Manoj Bajpayee to win for Aligarh. If the jury/ministry has made an error in Kumar's case, will there be a re-vote??"
However, as per the rulebook of the Directorate of Film Festivals, the organisation that presents the National Film Awards, under the section of eligibility of a candidate it reads: "Film professionals and technicians of foreign origin can also be considered for awards."
Raees director Rahul Dholakia who has been part of the jury of the National Film Awards defended the actor on Twitter by attaching a screenshot and writing, “Clarification on National Award- foreign nationals can get National Awards . it’s legal, legit and by the booksI have been on the jury ( not for this one) and so found out from an official Manoj Srivastava who sent me this. 🙏🏽 #NationalAward”
Clarification on National Award- foreign nationals can get National Awards . it’s legal, legit and by the booksI have been on the jury ( not for this one) and so found out from an official Manoj Srivastava who sent me this. 🙏🏽 #NationalAward pic.twitter.com/wrAORcPdLC
— rahul dholakia (@rahuldholakia) May 4, 2019
Earlier this week, the Khiladi star earned flak for his interview with PM Modi and also questions were raised on his Canadian citizenship. Eventually, the actor released a statement and wrote, “I really don't understand the unwarranted interest and negativity about my citizenship. I have never hidden or denied that i hold a Canadian passport. It is also equally true that I have not visited Canada in the last seven years. I work in India, and pay all my taxes in India.
While all these years, I have never needed to prove my love for India to anyone, I find it disappointing that my citizenship issue is constantly dragged into needless controversy, a matter that is personal, legal, non-political, and of no consequence to others.
Lastly, I would like to continue contributing in my small way to the causes that I believe in and make India stronger and stronger.”
Image Source:Instagram/Akshaykumar,hi-in-facebook,mbndtin.tv